One of Ballarat’s longest-running not-for-profit early education centres is celebrating a milestone. The Sebastopol Early Education Centre is turning 30 and will celebrate the achievement with a special community event next month. Director Jo Corliss said it was a great achievement for the Vickers Street centre to reach 30, considering it was quite small. “We are such a little community-based centre that has made it to 30 years,” Ms Corliss said. “We are a small centre but thousands of children would have come through the centre. We know our families really well.” Ms Corliss believed the centre was one of the longest-running not-for-profit early education centres in Ballarat. Centre educator Bec Aggett said there had been changes in the learning and teaching, as well as changes to the outdoor area, in her 21 years at the centre. The Sebastopol Early Education Centre will celebrate its birthday at the Ballarat and District Trotting Club on September 5 at 6pm. The fun night, which incorporates the centre’s annual fundraiser, will include harness races, a three-course meal and children’s activities. All money raised on the night will go towards resources and educational tools for the children. Ms Corliss said the fun night out would also raise awareness of the centre. She encouraged past and present staff and families to attend the night. “We want to celebrate and involve the community. We feel 30 years is a great achievement,” Ms Corliss said. For more information or to buy tickets, which cost $35, phone the Sebastopol Early Education Centre on 5335 9509.